Please MN hive mind - I need help (on SO many levels) with this gaming thing

[Bicnod]

So my two boys (10 and 8) don't currently have a games console .

DS1 likes to play Minecraft, Terreria and various other games on the laptop/tablet. DS2 pretty much copies everything DS1 does so he also likes these games.

They currently have 30 minutes each of gaming time on a Saturday morning and DS1 also gets an additional 30 minutes on a Tuesday night.

They get to do TT Rockstars, Scratch etc occasionally in addition to this.

They are very very keen for a games console for Christmas. Apparently everyone in the entire world has one apart from them ()

So my questions, oh wise MNers, are:

1. Which games console?? They want to do Minecraft (and to be able to play online with their friends??) and DS1 is keen to play Fortnite (although I haven't looked into this yet...) I want one with parental controls if that's possible? The boys are keen for an XBox One - not sure why (?!)

1. How much gaming time is appropriate at these ages? I think what they do at the moment is probably enough but would love to know what time limits etc other families set. If they do get a games console for Christmas I want to make sure we lay out the ground rules from the start - so need to work out what those are...

I've never played computer games so this is all new to me and I don't want to prevent them from doing something they enjoy, but equally I don't want it to take over their lives...

Any help/advice gratefully received

My advice? Don’t do it

My house has never been happier now there is no console.

Fortnite was the final nail in the coffin btw.

Mine has those games on a PS4. He plays it at the weekend for about an hour in the morning before we go out.
They might want the Xbox if that's what their friends have so they can play online together.
Not sure about parental controls, I still supervise DS.

I would get an Xbox one to play Minecraft. My son plays Forza, Minecraft and Lego Marvels games. I would suggest a longer time playing Minecraft as they are creating worlds.

My DP and DS play together and create worlds. You might want to give them an hour with a break then another hour. Though they play on the phone mostly.

He goes through phases at the moment he hasn't been on the console all month it might change.

Ha! That's what I was afraid of IWorkAtTheCheescakeFactory!

@Ravenrob - do you know if they can play online together with the PS4? Or is that something exclusive to the XBox?

Unfortunately it is one of those times, When you do have to go with what their friends have. An Xbox would be pointless if all his friends are playing Minecraft on PS4s.

I really wouldn’t do it

@Slaymill - why the XBox One specifically? Sorry, I'm so clueless - would be really helpful to understand your thoughts on this.

Also, what is Forza?!

@MoobaaMoobaa - ah ok, so if they want to play with their friends they need the same type of console?? That's really helpful to know...

@EnFinale - we're not definitely doing it... what are your reasons for saying don't go there? Again, really helpful to understand how other people's decision making processes went on this!

I don't know if it's the same for PS4, but you need a pass/subscription thingy to play Xbox online. I think it's about £40 a year.

Hi OP,

Just quickly wanted to say if you wanted a lowdown on Fortnite - we made a video explaining it to parents, perhaps it may be of help. Good luck picking a console, and maybe keep an eye out for Black Friday deals!

I game.

If you buy a console then make sure it’s the same as their friends, they can go online with pS or Xbox, but set up strict parental controls, do not let them have it in their bedrooms. Set ground rules and stick to them. If they are playing online give them x time warming as to when they need to get off in a live game if it’s just switched off they lose progress.

Never add your credit card details to any games console, buy points in GAME to buy games.

One console two dc does open the potential for conflict with taking turns, are they good at sharing? If they both had a console they could play together. Of course that adds a huge extra cost,

Thank you so much for all this advice - it's all very good food for thought...

@Adversecamber22 - I was under the impression (probably wrong - as I keep saying I'm totally clueless) that with some games you can play together on the the same console if you have two controllers?? Is that right??

I think it's just personal preference. There is a new Xbox coming out in 2020 so maybe buy a re-conditoned/second hand one but with new controllers and upgrade next year.

I read an article recently that stated " Xbox One plays hundreds of Xbox 360 games, offers cross-play with PC and lets you binge on three generations' worth of games for a good price compared with the Playstation it's the winner" I agree.

Forza is a racing game You can set up parental controls and screen time limits screen time link

You can play Minecraft on split screen, so yes both dc could play at the same time. Not sure how many other games do split though.

You can play some games split screen but not many.